TCHS cheerleaders make impression at camp

The Colony High School cheerleaders, yell leaders, and mascots recently participated in the annual summer NCA cheer camp held at the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas.

Cheer camp provides many positive results in a number of areas. The days of cheerleaders just clapping their hands and doing cartwheels are long gone. Today's cheerleaders are performing complicated routines that involve advanced tumbling skills and breathtaking stunts.

Historically, cheerleading camp has proven to be a great experience for both the new and returning cheerleaders from The Colony. Not only is cheer camp a time to learn new cheers, chants, dance moves and stunts but it is a venue for improving skills and learning about team-building.

“Cheer camp requires a lot of hard work with long hours but the special memories the campers make and exhilarating experiences they share make it all worthwhile - not only for the kids attending, but for the cheer coaches as well. This year proved to be no different,” booster spokesperson Heidi Norris said.

The cheerleaders, yell leaders and mascots competed against approximately 25 other surrounding schools that attended this year’s camp.

Every camper walked away with enthusiasm and pride, appreciating what they had achieved over the three-day camp. “They all worked so hard and kept such positive attitudes,” said varsity cheer coach Heather Jones.

During the three days of camp, the freshman squad received one excellent ribbon, three superior ribbons, and two spirit sticks, as well as a coveted bid to Nationals Competition. Marissa Gonzales, the freshman mascot, received superior ribbons for her mascot entrance evaluation and for the skit she performed with the Cougar team. Brooke Thompson, Lilly Tran, Kelly Skiles, Kalee Harsh, MaKenna Keeley, Channing Spears and to Marissa were nominated for All-American.

The junior varsity squad received one excellent and three superior ribbons, two S.P.O.T awards, and a technical-excellence commendation for stunts. They also received a spirit stick all three nights as well as a bid to Nationals Competition.

The entire cheer team was nominated for All-American, with special recognition for Megan M., Raizel San Miguel, Lyenne Garcia and Chloe Hall for making the All-American team. Kayla Clark, the JV mascot, received two superior ribbons for her mascot entrance evaluation with the team and for the group skit that the cougars performed.

The varsity squad received four superior ribbons, two S.P.O.T awards, and two team awards during their evaluation. The varsity team also received a technical excellence award for their motions and their stunts. They received a spirit stick all three nights, a bid to Nationals Competition, the Herkie team plaque (the overall team that worked the best together), and won “Top Team” out of all the varsity squads represented.

All team members were nominated for All-American with special recognition for Blake Alonzo, Kelice Sanders, Synclair Donaldson, Samantha Shelton, TeAta Truss and Erin Pivarnik (VS mascot). Kelice also was named the “Top All-American” out of the entire camp.

“I have never been more proud of her,” said Kelly Childers, Kelice’s mom.

TeAta received one of only two leadership awards for the entire camp. Blake and Erin also received applications to try out for the NCA staff next summer for having the skills and leadership qualities that NCA looks for in their employees. Erin also received two superior ribbons for her mascot entrance evaluation with the team and the group skit that the cougars performed along with a trophy for being the best mascot at camp.

“Congratulations, Cougars!!” said Rebecca MacDonald, The Colony High School Principal. “The accomplishments of our cheer teams are absolutely extraordinary. We have the best kids around, and this is further proof of that. I am so proud to be the principal at TCHS. Cheerleaders, yell leaders and mascots …you are truly the best.”

In addition, The Colony High School was voted “most spirited school” by all the campers participating in the three-day event. What makes this special is that this award was voted on by their peers at the camp, not by the NCA staff.

“Out of all of my years at camp, I have never seen our kids be so supportive, not only of each other, but every single team that was at camp,” said coach Jones. “They cheered with other teams and even helped teams out that were struggling during evaluations and the All-American team tryouts. As coaches, we are so proud to say that we are a part of The Colony High School cheer program. We are very excited about the upcoming year and we know there will be much more to come from this very talented and spirited group of kids.”

Newcomers to the cheer organization, coach Lyquisha Ballard, freshman cheer coach, and coach Jordan Holub, junior varsity cheer coach, enjoyed their first cheer camp experience and worked hard with coach Jones to make it successful for all of the TCHS teams.

Angela Deaton, assistant principal at The Colony High School enthusiastically shared her thoughts with the coaches and parents.

“I had no doubt that all of our teams would do well, but these accomplishments are truly a remarkable representation of talent, dedication and teamwork,” Deaton said. “I would like to add a great big ‘thank you’ to Heather, Jordan and Lyquisha for their commitment, enthusiasm and positive leadership. I also want to say ‘great job’ to all of the cheerleaders, yell leaders and mascots. They are a great group of kids and they certainly show it. Congratulations on all of their accomplishments.”

The Colony High School cheerleaders, yell leaders, mascots and coaches are now enjoying a well deserved summer break before practices begin in the middle of August.

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